Laboratory Apprentice

SGS; Loughbeg; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS ISL invites applications for its 2026 apprentice programme in partnership with SOLAS and MTU/DTU. This two‑year apprenticeship leads to a Higher Certificate in Science (Laboratory Technician) with potential progression to Level 8.

The scheme starts early September 2026 and is site-based in Ringaskiddy, Ireland. You will combine practical hands-on lab work with college attendance, gaining GMP/GDP knowledge, calibration, sampling, and QC testing while earning a wage.

Qualifications

• Leaving Certificate with Science and Mathematics; Chemistry preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in science and a willingness to learn.
• Mature applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Glassware maintenance and care.
• Sample collection and logging.
• Ordering of chemicals and consumables.
• Disposal of waste in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Daily calibration checks and archiving.
• Support solution preparations.
• Testing of raw materials.
• Take ownership of tasks and complete them timely.
• Maintain health and safety standards at all times.
• Keep work area clean and tidy.

Skills

Pipettes

HPLC

QC testing

Data integrity

Documentation

Education

Leaving Certificate with Science and Maths

Tools

Karl Fischer

UV spectrometry

LCMS

pH meter

Auto-Titrations

Job description

SGS ISL are delighted to invite applications for our 2026 apprentice program in partnership with SOLAS and MTU/DTU. This is an exciting opportunity for ONE successful candidate to embark on a career in a rewarding industry and gain a recognised qualification. On successful completion of the 2-year apprenticeship you will achieve a Higher Certificate in Science (Laboratory Technician) Candidates will have the opportunity to progress to Level 8.

Please note the apprenticeship will commence early September 2026.

Are you looking to kick start a career in science working for a world leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and get an opportunity to progress your education while getting paid?

SGS ISL is a centre of excellence for all aspects of pharmaceutical testing including method development & transfer, reference standard testing, stability management and QC Release & Stability testing. SGS ISLs' main focus is to ensure the safety of the medicine, for the millions of patients who take the products we test. This is achieved through a strong quality focus and an excellent Health Authority audit history and reputation. SGS ISL has a dynamic team culture, committed to employee development.

The successful candidate will combine practical, hands‑on work experience while gaining a qualification. The apprentice will attend college 2 days per week and work in our state‑of‑the‑art lab in Ringaskiddy 3 days per week during term time. You will be required to work 5 days on site during holiday period.

Job Description

Responsibilities will include but limited to

• Glassware maintenance


• Sample collection and logging


• Ordering of chemicals and consumables,


• Disposal of waste


• Daily calibration checks/archiving


• Support solution preparations


• Testing raw materials


• Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities that are assigned to you and closing them out in an efficient and timely manner.


• Ensure health & safety standards are always maintained.


• Ensure own work area is always kept clean and tidy.


• At all times, adopt a safe behaviour by exercising due regard for the health and safety of yourself, colleagues, and clients, in line with the Company’s policies and procedures


• Ensure full compliance with the Company’s Code of Integrity, and act in accordance with SGS Ireland's Equality & Diversity Policy

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the Laboratory Technician will have:

• Excellent understanding of the principles of GMP and GDP


• Time management and ability to complete work to schedule.


• Develop strong communication skills further


• Team work- the ability to collaborate in a team environment, contributing to a supportive and inclusive work culture.


• Understand the importance of data integrity (recording results in a timely and accurate fashion)


• Understand the quality systems that are in place and their importance


• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems


• Knowledge of methods of receiving and logging samples into a QC laboratory


• Excellent understanding of the variety of methods involved in water testing, raw material, in-process, finished product


• Understand the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples


• Knowledge of "out of specification" investigations and "Lab Investigations Reports" processes


• Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers


• Understanding the various steps in the production process - upstream and downstream


• Knowledge of calibrating laboratory equipment as required


• Capability to perform basic chemistry techniques, including but not limited to: Pipettes, Auto-Titrations, pH, weighing, diluting to volume, Volumetric calculations, Karl Fischer, UV, HPLC, LCMS, PSD, XRPD, Thin Layer Chromatography


• Knowledge of reporting processes and current deficiencies in GLP/GMP

SGS is the world's leading Inspection, Verification, Testing and Certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 99,500 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,500 offices and laboratories around the world. We deliver global service with local expertise, to market leading clients across 10 different industries worldwide. Our solutions support Government agencies and enterprises in dynamic sectors such as Transport, Trade and Life Sciences, to help organisations and consumers to stay compliant and safe.

Qualifications

• Grade D/O6 or higher at Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent including a Science Subject (Chemistry preferred) and Mathematics or Relevant FETAC Level 5/Level 6 Graduate. (Mature students with a demonstrated interest will also be considered).

Additional Information

• Have a genuine desire to develop a career in science


• Take ownership of his/her own learning, including the allocation of study time. All classes must be attended.


• Demonstrate Curiosity- Willing and eager to learn to continuously improve and not afraid to ask questions


• A positive attitude


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Strong attention to detail


• Ability to work and interact effectively within a team.

Candidates must be immediately eligible to work in Ireland, this is a site based role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.